Oral health for children and young people with cancer
Published: Jul 2026
Next review: Jul 2026
Cancer treatment can affect oral (mouth and teeth) health. During treatment there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Looking after the mouth and teeth during treatment is very important. We know it can be hard to keep up with toothbrushing and mouth care when staying in hospital. The purpose of this guide is to explain how to help take care of your child’s mouth and teeth during treatment for cancer.
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How this resource was made
This factsheet was written by Claudia Heggie (NIHR Doctoral Research Fellow & Senior Specialty Trainee in Paediatric Dentistry, Leeds Children’s Hospital), Urshla Devalia (Consultant Paediatric Dentist, Royal National ENT & Eastman Dental Hospitals, London), Eloise Neumann (Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Birmingham Children’s Hospital) and Colin Thorbison (Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool) and reviewed by the CCLG Information Advisory Group, comprising parents, survivors and multiprofessional experts in the field of children and young people’s cancer.
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